Houston Texans vs Denver Broncos Week 3 NFL Betting Odds

Peyton had a game he would rather forget on Monday Night Football. After a big win on the national stage in week one against the Steelers, Manning responded by throwing three interceptions in his first three drives against the Falcons, ultimately resulting in a loss. Sunday wasn’t a great day for either of the Manning’s, as the two brothers combined for six interceptions – all in the first half. Eli, however, did respond and get the win for the Giants, while Peyton nearly pulled off a comeback of his own. This Sunday the Broncos get another test as the Houston Texans come to town looking to go 3-0 in 2012.

THE GAME

Many people prior to the 2012 season had the Houston Texans playing in the Super Bowl. Though the first two games, the Texans have proved that theory to a very legitimate possibility. The Texans have strived under a healthy Matt Schaub and a dynamic Arian Foster on offense. But the real story could be the Texans defense. Houston held Jacksonville to just seven points on Sunday and actually held Jacksonville quarterback Blaine Gabbert to minus-four yards passing in the first half and just 53 yards for the game. The Texans will have a new challenge on Sunday, facing the up-start Broncos in Denver. The Broncos will need Peyton Manning to return to form, which if he is still the same old Peyton, he probably will.

WHAT TO WATCH

Manning was the first to let the media know on Monday that he let his team down with the three first half interceptions against the Falcons. To Manning’s credit, the future hall of famer battled his team back into the game, pulling the Broncos to within a touchdown in the fourth quarter after falling behind 20-0 in the first half. Manning looked to be back to his old self in week one against the Steelers, leading the Broncos to a season-opening win. Manning should be very familiar with Sunday’s opponent and former AFC South foe Houston. Manning has given Gary Kubiak fits over the years, but the Texans featured one of the top defenses in the league last season and seem to be on that same path in 2012.

GAME LINE

Texans vs Broncos Week 3 NFL Betting Odds available at Bovada Sportsbook have set Houston as field-goal favorites over Manning and Denver. Houston looks to get off to a 3-0 start, while Denver will try to avoid falling into an early 1-2 hole. The Texans will need to win by at least four points to cover the betting line. The over/under point total has been set at 46 points.

PREDICTIONS

There is no doubt this game could go either way. The Texans defense has been dynamite over the first two weeks of the season, especially last week against Jacksonville. With Andre Johnson on the outside on offense, coupled with Matt Schaub and Arian Foster, the Texans have the making of a Super Bowl caliber football team. It can’t be stated enough, however, that this game is being played in Denver. Though teams never use the altitude as an excuse, the Mile High definitely plays into the Broncos favor. Manning has historically been very good in a home game environment and it would be tough to bet against Peyton Manning, especially coming off a tough loss. The logical choice in this one would be going with Manning and Broncos, but don’t underestimate the Texans. A win in this game and the Super Bowl predictions could really heat up. Check out the betting odds for this game and the rest of the Week 4 schedule below.